My word for the year this year has been to Simplify. While it’s not always at the forefront of my mind, I find myself making subconscious decisions all the time that help to simplify my life. One of those decisions was to start bathing the kids together. 

With both of my kids, there are a few things that have always stayed consistent through their bath time routine. For one thing, bath time almost always comes after dinner. But as their needs change, the routine is adjusted and the products we use change. When Chloe was tiny, I would bathe her alone in a baby bathtub, but as she got older and sturdier, I started to bathe her with Caleb. I want bath time to be as easy as possible, so they go in at the same time, get washed up with the same products, and they come out at the same time. ​

Once they started bathing together, we made the switch to JOHNSON’S® Head-to-Toe Wash & Shampoo. This is something else that has helped me to simplify. It’s one product that works for everything from - you guessed it - their heads down to their toes.  Head-To-Toe® Wash and Shampoo is an ultra-mild, gentle cleanser that is safe for a baby’s sensitive skin (and eyes). It’s also free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and dyes, which was a big part of JOHNSON’S® renewed commitment to Choose Gentle. The pump bottle makes it easy for me to get the product out and onto the kids without having to pick up a slippery bottle, and the kids love to use it on themselves - even Chloe holds out her hand so I can put some in it and then she scrubs her belly.

Have you ever felt like the thing you experience with your kids couldn’t possibly be true unless somebody else was there to witness them? A lot of times I wish I had been recording my kids when certain things happen, or that someone else had been there to witness whatever funny/crazy/unbelievable thing they did. 

I have never felt as seen before as I did when I was reading Whitney Bausman‘s soon-to-be-released book, Herding Cats. Her stories about raising her toddlers Clark and Annie feel like they were pulled straight out of a scene in my house. The challenges, the atrocities, the hilarity, and the really special moments that just tug at your heart strings are what make Herding Cats a fun, relatable, and at times even tear-inducing read. If you are currently a parent of a toddler or toddlers, have been a parent of toddlers in the past, or even just know any toddlers in a capacity which is more than in passing, then you will definitely enjoy this book. I couldn’t believe how many times I literally laughed out loud. From stories about poop, to boogers, to germs and illnesses, when it comes to kids it was truly one of the most relatable and funniest reads!

It was also honest and authentic. Whitney isn’t talking about parenting in the most popular way, she’s talking about parenting in the most real, authentic, and “Oh, good, I’m not the only one who feels this way” way possible. More than once I breathed a sigh of relief that there are more parents out there like me who are middle of the road, who don’t think the TV is pure evil (only partially), and who are totally okay with giving their kids frozen waffles in the mornings. 

Through several parts of the book, I thought to myself, “Whitney and I must share a brain,” but then I realized that it’s not only Whitney and I who could be sharing a brain, but nearly any parent of any toddler out there. I write this as Chloe is pulling my hair, has fought her nap today tooth and nail, and I am getting ready to go sit in the car with her until she falls asleep and has a decent nap. If you’re looking for a funny and relatable read that will make you think of your own toddlers’ antics, and make you realize you aren’t alone, then check out Herding Cats by Whitney Bausman, which will be available on Amazon this Friday, August 30 (you can preorder now, though!).

xoxo, 

​Jenise

Here's a snack your kids will love. I used to make these for Caleb all the time when he was younger, but it had been a while since I last made them! I forgot how much he liked them. Today I made a batch and not only did he really like them and asked me to put them in his lunchbox for snack tomorrow, but Chloe liked them a lot, too - and she is my picky eater. 

They're pretty simple to make and they're a healthy alternative to chips and goldfish! 

Directions

1. Heat the oven to 400°F. 
2. Rinse and drain the chickpeas. 
3. Dry the chickpeas. Pat them very dry with a clean dishtowel or paper towels. They should look matte and feel dry to the touch. Remove any skins that come off while drying. 
4. Toss the chickpeas with olive oil and salt (or spray with your cooking spray) and make sure they are evenly coated. 
5. Roast for 20 to 30 minutes. Stir the chickpeas or shake the pan every 10 minutes. The chickpeas are done when golden and slightly darkened, 20 to 30 minutes total. 
6. Toss chickpeas with the spices. (I put the spices on before and they burned.) Stir to coat evenly. 

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Enjoy!!

xoxo, 

​Jenise

The kids are back in school, vacation time is over, and you finally have a little time for yourself. Aside from catching up on whatever projects you laid to rest while wrangling your kids all summer long, what's next on your list?

I'm planning on picking up a couple of good books and making a dent in my "Want to Read" list, catching up on some work, and getting back into some kind of a workout routine. But I also definitely want to take care of myself with some great beauty treatments! Read on to see some of my top beauty treatments that I think you should try out. 

I recently had the opportunity to visit Dr. John Martin's office in Coral Gables and receive a hydration facial. I had a great experience and great results from the facial.  Especially after all the sun exposure, pool water, and sunscreen, my skin was in some desperate need of TLC. I had Microdermabrasion, extractions, masks, and radio frequency done, and I could definitely see and feel the difference in my skin just a couple of days afterwards! I would definitely recommend a facial at Dr. John Martin's office! 

Years ago, I did laser hair removal on my face and underarms, and I had really great results. Another area I had wanted to do for a long time was my bikini line. Since you can't have sun exposure for two weeks before or after treatment, now is the perfect time to get it done! Semper Laser in South Miami has some great deals. I've gone once and have already seen the results of my treatment - I'm sure after my 8 treatments I'll be good to go! 

Is there any better way to relax and indulge? Book yourself a massage and add a scrub or exfoliation and a soak. Your skin will be in heaven! Take advantage of Miami Spa Month and the great prices available before it ends in a couple weeks! 

What else are you looking forward to now that your kids are back in school? 

Take it easy, mama. 

xoxo, 

​Jenise

Summertime, especially in sub-tropical climates, call for extra special beauty products. Add in to that being a busy mom (being busy and a mom goes without saying, but you get it...), and I need products that do double and triple duty. ​I've rounded up some of my favorite hair, skin, and makeup products for the summer and put them all together in this post for you. Keep reading to find out how I adjust my beauty routine for the summertime. 

The constant sweating, the humidity, the pool and the beach are all wreaking havoc on my hair this time of year, so there are a few products I really love that help to keep my hair in tip top shape - that plus regular visits to my stylist for trims! 

1. R&Co. Television Perfect Shampoo & Conditioner - They have this awesome fresh smell and are really gentle on my hair. 
2. R&Co. Death Valley Dry Shampoo - The smell of this stuff is soooo good. It's like a dry shampoo and hair perfume in one. Dry shampoo in the summer is a must - I'm sweating 24/7 and this is the only thing that saves me from looking like a wet mop half the time. 
3. OGX Lavender Luminescent Platinum Oil - This stuff smells amazing, too (seeing a pattern here?). I use this before blow drying my hair - a tiny bit goes a long way. It's got UVA and UVB filters to help protect hair from sun damage. 
4. Redken Pillow Proof Blow Dry Express Primer Spray - This is also something I use to extend the life of my blow-dry. It helps my hair keep it's shape, and it's what my hairdresser uses, so you know it has to be pretty good! 
5. Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil - Another product I use to protect my hair when spending a lot of time in the sun!

1. Selah Skin Studio Milk & Honey Cleanser - I've told you guys about Selah before - they are local and make everything themselves. Their Milk & Honey Cleanser is so gentle and leaves my skin feeling so good. 
2. Selah Skin Studio Repairing Serum - Perfect for when I've gotten just a little too much sun, but also good for everyday. This stuff gives me that glowy feeling we all want for our skin. It also helps prevent breakouts. 
3. Sephora Collection After-Sun Mask - Another great one for those days you spend in the sun. Gives your skin a boost and soothes it. 
4. Sephora Collection Lip Mask - Lips don't just get dry and mistreated in the winter. Sun exposure can dry them out plenty, too. This mask hydrates your lips and makes them feel plump. Use it right before applying your makeup. Trust me on this. 
5. Mary Kay Clear Proof Acne Treatment Gel - Sweat, sunscreen, more sweat... all lead to, you guessed it - major pimple problems. This stuff does a good job of targeting the pimple and not drying out all the skin around it. 
6. Origins Energy Boosting Gel Moisturizer - Long summer days mean short summer nights. But my kids still wake up at the same time, so I feel like I'm perpetually in need of an energy boost during this time of year. This moisturizer is light but gives my skin a much-needed boost while keeping it hydrated. 

1. Rodan + Fields Radiant Defense - Think of the best tinted moisturizer you've ever used. This stuff is 100 times better than that! It has excellent (buildable) coverage, SPF, and I have pretty much cut out using foundation altogether because of this stuff! 
2. Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color Stick, Classic Nude - Those beat up lips again? This stuff feels light, doesn't flake, and keeps lips feeling supple. The classic nude is the best shade of nude I have found in a long time! 
3. Tarte Rainforest of the Sea 4-in-1 Setting Mist - This stuff is good! It preps, primes, and hydrates your skin, but it can also help refresh your makeup during the day. Smells yummy, too! 
4. Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray - If you have an event, you need this in your life. Especially in the warmer months when makeup tends to melt right off. A couple of spritzes of this and your makeup is set all night. 
5. Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer - This is my favorite concealer. If I use no other makeup during the day, this goes on to cover my undereye circles and brighten up my eyelids. It's not too thick but it provides excellent coverage. 
6. Lancome Hypnose Doll Lashes Mascara - I love this mascara because it doesn't flake, but I also don't need paint thinner to take it off. It makes my lashes look beautiful, just like - you guessed it - a doll's lashes! 

There you have it! All my summer beauty faves in one place! 

Enjoy! 

Xoxo, 

​Jenise